Leicester Webb was born on 17 May 1905 at Leicester, Leicestershire, England. Webb was educated at Waitaki Boys' High School, Oamaru, and Canterbury College (BA 1928, NZ; MA, 1929), Christchurch, where he graduated with first-class honours in history. He was then employed as a political journalist with the Press, Christchurch, before studying two years at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. When Webb returned to New Zealand he resumed his position with the Press and lectured part-time in political science at Canterbury College. Webb joined the Australian National University on 1 May 1951 as Reader in the Department of Political Science, Research School of Social Sciences, and was also Head of the Department. In March 1956 Webb was made Professor of Political Science. He was also acting Head of the Department of International Relations in the Research School of Pacific Studies 1958-60. Webb died on 23 June 1962 at Ross district, Tasmania, Australia.